Isiolo, Kenya| A political storm is sweeping through Isiolo County following the controversial impeachment of Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, a move widely condemned by local leaders, elders, and residents as an unconstitutional power grab engineered by shadowy political interests.
Among the most vocal critics is Mzee Diba Kiyana, President of the influential Warjida Council, who has denounced the impeachment as an “illegal and politically motivated” affront to the people of Isiolo.
Governor Guyo, a first-term leader elected under the Jubilee Party in 2022, has come under fire from a section of the County Assembly in a process that many observers now believe was rushed, unlawful, and devoid of public legitimacy.
A Dubious and Contested Process
On June 26, 2025, 16 out of 18 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) passed a motion to impeach Governor Guyo on charges ranging from abuse of office to mismanagement of county resources.
The motion, tabled by Sericho MCA Abubakar Godana, accused the governor of stalling development projects, failing to meet revenue targets, and bloating the county payroll with political appointments.
However, the legal framework underpinning the impeachment has been thoroughly discredited. A day before the vote, on June 25, the High Court in Meru issued conservatory orders halting the impeachment proceedings.
Despite this, the MCAs defied the court, proceeding with the vote—an act Justice Heston Mbogo later declared null and void in his June 27 ruling.
In a surprising twist, the Senate nevertheless scheduled a special sitting for June 30 to consider the matter—raising serious questions about the sanctity of court orders and the rule of law in Kenya’s devolved system.
Mzee Diba Kiyana: A Defiant Voice for Democracy
Leading the charge in defense of Governor Guyo is Mzee Diba Kiyana, the revered elder and President of the Warjida community.
In a forceful statement, Kiyana described the impeachment as “a reckless assault on democracy, orchestrated by external forces to destabilize our leadership and divide our people.”
“We elected Governor Guyo with a clear mandate,” he said. “He has delivered on development, maintained peace among Isiolo’s diverse communities, and uplifted our people. To remove him without consulting the elders, without engaging the public, and in defiance of court orders is nothing short of a political coup.”
Kiyana emphasized that traditional mechanisms for conflict resolution—such as engagement through the Borana Council of Elders, which includes representatives from the Sakuye, Gabra, and Watta communities—were completely bypassed.
“This is not the Isiolo way. We resolve differences through dialogue, not ambush. Those behind this scheme are not acting for the people—they are acting for themselves and their outside masters.”
He warned that the impeachment could unravel Isiolo’s hard-earned peace, ignite ethnic tensions, and reverse the socio-economic gains achieved under Guyo’s leadership.
Mounting Evidence of External Political Interference
Kiyana’s concerns have been echoed by a wide range of stakeholders, including religious leaders and community elders.
On June 23, Sheikh Ibrahim Mohamed Qabale of the National Muslim Leaders Forum and Abdulkadir Shariff Abdullahi of the Somali Council of Elders condemned the impeachment as a plot driven by politicians from outside Isiolo.
Their fears were underscored by the chaos that unfolded on the day of the impeachment vote—gunfire rang out near the Assembly precincts, property was vandalized, and security was overwhelmed.
MCAs later fled the county, controversially holding impeachment proceedings in Nakuru and then Machakos—moves widely interpreted as attempts to dodge public scrutiny and lawful intervention.
“This is not just about Guyo,” said Abdullahi. “It’s about our sovereignty as a county. Outsiders cannot dictate our leadership.”
Governor Guyo: A Pillar of Stability Under Siege
Governor Guyo has rejected the allegations against him, describing the impeachment as unconstitutional and procedurally flawed.
In a statement issued shortly after the vote, his office pointed to the High Court ruling as confirmation that the County Assembly acted in blatant disregard of the law.
Crucially, the governor noted that he was never afforded the opportunity to defend himself—an explicit violation of Article 181 of the Constitution. He has since reiterated his readiness for dialogue, signaling his commitment to unity and service delivery amid the political noise.
“Governor Guyo has remained calm, lawful, and respectful,” said a senior aide. “This is a leader who is focused on development, not division. His only crime is refusing to be bullied.”
Public Backlash and Rising Solidarity
Support for Governor Guyo continues to swell among the people of Isiolo, particularly in the regions of Merti and Cherab. Community members have taken to public forums and social media to express their outrage, with many calling for the recall of MCAs involved in the impeachment plot.
“We will not stand by while political mercenaries hijack our future,” said Halima Noor, a youth leader from Merti. “If they remove Guyo, we will remove them.”
The Borana Council of Elders has also called for urgent talks to de-escalate the crisis and has urged the Senate to respect the court’s ruling.
A Tipping Point for Isiolo’s Democracy
The impeachment debacle has laid bare the fault lines in Isiolo’s political landscape—exposing deep-seated rivalries, external manipulation, and a fragile institutional framework.
Legal experts warn that the Senate’s decision to proceed in the face of a court order could set a dangerous precedent, weakening the judiciary’s authority and emboldening rogue elements within devolved units.
Yet for many, the fate of Governor Guyo is now emblematic of something much larger: the defense of Isiolo’s right to self-determination, the preservation of peace, and the protection of devolution from political predators.
The People’s Governor
A former Majority Leader of the Nairobi County Assembly, Governor Guyo has carved out a reputation as a pragmatic, peace-driven, and inclusive leader. His administration has been marked by infrastructural expansion, inter-community cohesion, and a firm stance against political interference.
For his supporters, this impeachment is not merely a political attack—it is a betrayal of the progress that Isiolo has made under his watch.
“As far as we are concerned, Governor Guyo is still in charge,” declared Mzee Kiyana. “Day or night, we stand with him. And we will not allow the will of the people to be trampled upon.”
As the Senate deliberates, all eyes are on the courts, the elders, and the streets of Isiolo. One thing remains clear: this is not just a fight for one man—it is a fight for the soul of Isiolo County.
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